MINISTER MTHETHWA URGES PUBLIC TO AFFORD IPID SPACE TO INVESTIGATE THE NATIONAL COMMISSIONER

PRETORIA - 30 October 2013. The Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa has noted the Independent Police Investigative Directorate's (IPID) announcement to investigate the allegations made against the South African Police Service's (SAPS) National Commissioner, General Riah Phiyega, including calls from certain quarters who have been calling on the Minister to suspend the National Commissioner.

The Minister appeals to all South Africans, including members of the media, social and policing commentators as well as leaders of political parties to afford IPID space and time to conduct its investigation without any parallel processes pending the completion of the investigation. It needs to be further noted that once this investigation is completed, it will be sent to the Minister with recommendations; he will then pronounce on the way forward.

When the Ministry of Police took a decision to change the focus and mandate of the then Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) to become the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, we sought to establish and put in place mechanisms which would ensure that the rule of law in observed even by police themselves.

It is therefore important to allow IPID an opportunity to do their work without undue interference because such a mandate, which is to police the police, is provided for in the IPID Act.

Statement issued by Zweli Mnisi, Spokesperson to the Minister of Police, October 30 2013

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